we do not want that to happen, because then, we become a loose from all of our diplomatic moorings, and as you say, we still have troops in afghanistan. iran is on the other side. iraq is having difficulties. that entire area is so combustible and dangerous right now, so this, again, is an example of how we have to be careful with how we train our way through this and to think strategically and not tactically. host go most notably, the visit with president karzai last week and the announcement in the u.s. on friday that the u.s. is essentially speeding up its withdrawal from afghanistan. guest go i think that is very important because it is freeing up assets, and countries like iran and others are looking at the idea that america will have more capacity and is less tied down. i think that is important. we have to remember there are a couple of factors. one, chuck kate: , if confirmed, will follow the president's policy stance. the senate confirmation hearings are wonderful exercises. it is just like watching c-span. you can learn so much you do not know. the questions, the doubts that w